Yavapai News

In a letter addressed to President Biden, Rep. Selina Bliss (R-Ariz.) along with other Arizona House Republicans expressed their disapproval of the current border control policies. They also voiced their objection to the Biden Administration's decision to close the Lukeville port of entry.

Rep. Bliss stated, "Looking at those crossing the border in droves, they are largely military-aged men, not families in search of a better life as Democrats continually claim". She further added, "Your open-border approach to immigration is a national threat that will have disastrous impacts on the entire country."

The letter was co-authored by Bliss and 31 other House Republicans including Reps. Quang Nguyen (R-Ariz.), Alexander Kolodin (R-Ariz.), Joseph Chaplik (R-Ariz.), David Cook (R-Ariz.), Matt Gress (R-Ariz.), among others. The lawmakers highlighted issues such as a 40% increase in southwest border encounters since 2021, nearly 200 attempts by migrants on the terrorist watch list to cross, apprehension of Chinese nationals amid tensions between the United States and China, and the recent closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry.

According to the letter penned by these lawmakers, "The decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry as a solution to the crisis you created is unacceptable and must be reversed immediately." They went on to say, "It is no secret why the border is overwhelmed. Your anti-American open-border policy sent a message to the world: that there will be no consequences for illegal immigration. The real solution is simple. Reverse your policy and put a halt to the wide-open door for so-called 'asylum-seekers'."

Lukeville port, one of the busiest ports known for high volume migrant crossings, was closed at the beginning of December in an attempt to manage this surge. The duration of this closure has not been officially announced yet which has led to dissatisfaction among Arizona lawmakers. According to an article from the Associated Press, this closure is adversely affecting businesses and individuals as legal cross-border activities like shopping, dining, and school commutes for some Mexican children have been disrupted.

The lawmakers wrote in their letter, "Border states in particular are significantly harmed by your administration’s failed policies every day. Our law enforcement agencies at the border are overextended. Healthcare providers in border communities are overworked to such an extent that they are struggling to provide essential services to the residents of their community in need of care. Your decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry is just the latest in a long stream of irresponsible policies from your administration that fail to keep Arizona citizens, and all Americans, safe from criminal activity at the border."

Bliss, who represents District One, assumed office on January 9, 2023. Originally from South Dakota, she holds a doctorate in nursing and has a background as a nurse and nurse educator. In the general election, Bliss won against Cathy Ransom and Neil Sinclair securing 33% of the votes. Her Republican colleague Quang Nguyen also received 33% of votes according to Ballotpedia.